Social Distancing

We would like to respectfully ask you come into the surgery for your appointment alone, unless you need assistance or accompanying a child.

Please adhere to social distancing rules within the Surgery.

Thank You

During the Covid-19 pandemic we are to continuing to provide the best possible care for our patients as safely as possible. Some of our patients will be troubled by non covid 19 related problems that are new or ongoing. As your medical team, we would encourage you to contact us to discuss your health concerns so we can manage your symptoms appropriately.

CORONAVIRUS

COVID-19 SWABBING/TESTING

Any registered patient who has symptoms of Covid-19 that started within the last 7 days should contact the surgery and inform our reception team.  The patient will be booked in for a telephone consultation with either Dr Sevenoaks or Dr Brett to discuss the symptoms and if appropriate a self-swabbing kit will be posted to the patient.  Instructions on what the patient needs to do will be within the pack.  Results from the swab will be sent to the patient and the practice. The swabbing is only suitable for patients with symptoms, it will not confirm whether antibodies are present to exclude if the patient has already had the virus or is immune to the virus.

COVID-19 - advice is as follows:

• if you have symptoms, stay at home for 7 days
• if you live with other people, they should stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person got symptoms

If you live with someone who is 70 or over, has a long-term condition, is pregnant or has a weakened immune system, try to find somewhere else for them to stay for 14 days.

If you have to stay at home together, try to keep away from each other as much as possible.

DO NOT ATTEND THE GP SURGERY

Individuals should stay at home (self-isolate) for 7 days from the onset of symptoms following the current advice. After 7 days of self-isolation, people who feel better and no longer have a high temperature can return to their normal routine.

If someone has serious symptoms they cannot manage at home they should use NHS 111 online (people should only call NHS111 if they cannot get online).  If they have not had any signs of improvement after 7 days and have not already sought medical advice, they should use NHS111 online (people should only call NHS111 if they cannot get online) before they leave their home or let visitors in.

A cough may persist for several weeks in some people, despite the coronavirus infection having cleared.

Further guidance can be found at:

NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ 

GOV.UK website https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-people-with-confirmed-or-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

Isolation note https://111.nhs.uk/isolation-note

Emotional support and psychological therapy

A list of resources offering emotional support during Covid-19 can be found here*.

The Surgery Counselling Service continues to operate, offering sessions remotely, by phone or video link. Please speak to reception about how to arrange a referral from your GP. There are many additional stresses due to the current Covid-19 pandemic for which counselling may be of value, be it stress at home or at work, relationship issues, social isolation, low self-esteem, bereavement or loss. 

DHC Talking Therapies can help by providing psychological therapies for people who are experiencing common mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, stress, panic or anger. Your therapy will be tailored to suit your needs and treatments are available over the phone, by video or online. Patients can self-refer, or you may be directed to self-refer by your GP.

www.dhctalkingtherapies.co.uk/self-referral/

In a crisis situation see here

https://dhctalkingtherapies.co.uk/crisis-emergency-contacts/

*Resources to help in providing emotional support during Covid-19

NHS Practical advice about coronavirus-covid-19

NHS Staying at home tips

Government guidance on mental health and well-being during covid-19

Steps for well-being and mental health

Relate: advice about helping relationships during lockdown

Safety from domestic abuse

Samaritans: how we can help during coronavirus

Mental Health Foundation: Looking after your mental health during coronavirus outbreak

Mind: information about coronavirus and wellbeing

Young Minds: talking to your child about coronavirus

Mindfulness resources for calm during covid

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VOLUNTARY GROUPS

There are various voluntary groups available to help those vulnerable and self-isolating during this difficult time.

The list can be found here: VOLUNTEER GROUPS 

RESEARCH AT THE PRACTICE

Brockwood Medical Practice carries out research in collaboration with the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the research arm of the NHS.

You can find out more about the NIHR here: http://www.nihr.ac.uk/

We are grateful to the patients and carers who can give their time and commitment to help with medical research.

Current clinical trial information

We aim to provide high quality health care services that meet the needs of our patients within the allocated resources and as stipulated by the NHS.  We strive to deliver these services in a supportive, caring and sympathetic manner.

Our team are dedicated to your continued good health and approach your care with professionalism, discretion and friendliness. You can count on a warm welcome from everyone involved here at the practice.